Reseña de álbum

Mike Melillo is a formidable post-bop pianist, with a résumé that includes stints with Sonny Rollins and Phil Woods, though his name recognition in his native land is not as strong as it should be since he relocated to Italy. Moonlight on the Gange is one of a series of outstanding releases that he has recorded for Italian labels, though this session was taped in the U.S. with veterans Michael Moore on bass (known for his work with Gene Bertoncini and as a regular in the Dave Brubeck Quartet) and drummer Ben Riley (whose extensive résumé is highlighted by his work with Thelonious Monk). The influence of the late Bill Evans is readily apparent in Melillo's playing in both takes of "Moonlight on the Gange," which feature extensive introductory solos by Moore. The group devours a tumbling take of Ornette Coleman's dissonant "Humpty Dumpty," while the sole standard, Cole Porter's "I Concentrate on You," is a piano solo, with Melillo giving it a more bittersweet air than usual, though one can hear the ghost of Bud Powell in spots. The pianist's originals also merit strong praise, especially the tense "Ballad One." Highly recommended.

Biografía

Nacido(a): 09 de junio de 1939 en Newark, NJ

Género: Jazz

Años de actividad: '70s, '80s, '90s

Mike Melillo is an excellent modern jazz pianist who would be much better known in the jazz world had he not relocated to Italy. After attending Rutgers, Melillo led the house trio at the Tap Room in Clifton, New Jersey, where he had an opportunity to work with many top jazz musicians. He was part of Sonny Rollins' band from 1965-1967, co-led a group with guitarist Harry Leahey in 1967, and then concentrated on composition, living on a farm in New Jersey and, starting in 1973, the Poconos. Melillo...